With a heart full of kindness, Merle Alicia Ellen St John (nee Hunter) passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2026 just shy of her 99th birthday. Beloved wife of the late Wes St. John (1997). Dearly loved mother of Bill (Janis); Greg (Penny); Kelly (Ed); and Lisa (Dave). Cherished grandmother of Juwain (Mike), Owen (Marie), Courtney (Chris), Jodie, Jenny (Greg), Sarah (Chris), Kara (Jeff), Jared (Britni), Heather, Lauren, and Julia. Loving great-grandmother of Kennedy, Lennox, Phoenix, Madden, Gabby, Izzy, Charlie, Amber, Reed, Kayla, Teagan, Tristan, Jackson, Bentley, Lincoln and Violet. She was predeceased by her precious infant great-grandchildren, Hunter and Cora. Merle was a dear sister to the late Barbara Griffen (Jack); sister-in-law to the late Audrey McNeill, Connie Archer, and Shirley (Charlie) Empringham. She will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews. A lifelong resident of the Port Perry area, Merle loved being active in her community and found great joy in the time she spent with family and friends. Over the years Merle was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing euchre and shuffleboard with the Port Perry Seniors. She volunteered at R.H. Cornish PS, Port Perry Nursing home, the church nursery and for more than 20 years with the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Special thanks to the staff at the Port Perry Villa for their care, and for making it a comfortable home over the past eight years.
Family and friends are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 24, 2026, between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. in the Port Perry United Church Auditorium. Words of Remembrance will take place at 3:30 p.m. In memory of Merle, donations may be made to the Port Perry United Church. Memories, photos and condolences may be left at www.waggfuneralhome.com.
